What signs indicate severe airway obstruction in adults and children?

The indication of severe airway obstruction is marked by the victim being silent and clutching their neck. This is a classic sign of a choking emergency, where the inability to speak or make sounds indicates that the airway is significantly compromised. When a person cannot speak, it shows that there is not enough air moving through the airway to produce sound. Clutching the neck is often referred to as the Heimlich maneuver sign or universal choking sign which communicates to others that the individual is in distress and may need immediate assistance.

In contrast, the other options illustrate signs of less severe conditions. When a victim can speak normally, it demonstrates that their airway is still clear, which discounts the possibility of severe obstruction. Similarly, effective coughing indicates that the airway is partially obstructed but not completely blocked, as the individual is still able to force air out and can often clear the obstruction themselves. Additionally, a calm and relaxed appearance often signifies that the person is not experiencing any distress, which would suggest that their airway is not severely compromised. Thus, the signs of silence and neck clutching are critical indicators for identifying a severe blockage in both adults and children.